All that Glitters: Sprawling Palaces that Prove Nobody Does Royal Like India

Palaces around India are varied and diverse. They range from the gigantic and stately to the modest and homely. Some have been turned into heritage hotels that draw the who’s who of the celebrity world, while others still serve as residences for descendants of erstwhile royal families. Still others have opened their doors to visitors so they can gawk in wonder at their opulence.

But India’s palaces are more than architectural marvels. They abound in legends and ghost tales, boast rich collections of art and royal artefacts, and are living testaments to India’s regal past. Journey back in time through some of these royal heritage wonders with this photoessay.

Cover photo: Ceremonial meetings and gatherings were held in Mysuru Palace’s massive 155-foot-long Durbar Hall. It has marble floors, gilded arches, and stout columns, and contains a collection of French lamps and paintings by Indian artists including Raja Ravi Varma. Photo: Felix Hug/Corbis Documentary/Getty Images